This ladder is replacing what used to be a stable, secure set of beach steps leading these home owners from their back door to the foot of the ocean. The thing is, I passed no less than 20 of these missing steps on my morning jog this weekend. Only this one was using a ladder.
I had to wonder how many of these home owners were simply not going down to the ocean – because their convenient steps had fallen victim to Hurricane Irene. How many were having coffee from the deck instead of with the sand between their toes – only because their typical path had been displaced? How many were simply waiting for their steps to be replaced?
A small little thing, indeed…but it got me thinking. Sometimes plans go awry. Our investments don’t pay off. We have to change course – and suddenly. We get disappointed, frustrated or hurt. Rules change. Realities change. So, what do we do in situations (or seasons) of disappointment?
For me, I’m going to bring a ladder. What matters to me most is what I’ve committed to personally, professionally, relationally… not how I have to get there. Regardless of what’s changed for you, what disappointment you’ve faced, what challenge lies ahead of you, there are always options. I’ll never be content to have my coffee from the porch, when feeling the sand between my toes is just a ladder away.
But, that’s just me. I’d love to hear from you!
xoxo
Nancy Curtis says
Awesome post Michelle and so true. Focusing on the results is far more powerful than focusing on the obstacles. Whatever we focus on expands…I would much rather expand the results 🙂
Have a wonderful day,
Nancy
bmichellepippin says
Thanks Nancy!! I appreciate it… and you!
Beverly Lewis says
This is a familiar sight along our coast…even after a “mild” tropical visitor like Lee. Great lesson. And it also reminds me of the lesson for the proper attitude position in sales…are you the one with the ladder or are you the one who’s stuck? Who needs who?
Have an awesome day.
bmichellepippin says
Ooohh… I LOVE that Beverly. Every coach in the world needs to memorize that… say it to themselves before ever sales conversation… repeat it before ever blog post or social media thought is published… I will have an AWESOME day! Thanks for starting my day off right! =)
Andrea Harper Kuznicki says
Thank you so much for the encouraging post, I needed that! I’m a Registered Nurse and out of a job because of the economy. I could be sitting on my deck pouting that I can’t get down to the beach, but I dragged my dusty ladder out of storage and took to creating with my hands again… and my quilting business is actually taking off!
Have a wonderful evening!
~Andrea